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Author Notes:When my sister moved away, she left me with a bunch of groceries she didn't want to throw away, including a package of frozen baby squid - which I promptly shoved in the freezer and ignored for a few months while I tried to work up the nerve to cook squid for the first time.
When I finally bit the bullet, I decided I didn't want to go the lemon/oregano/garlic/balsamic that's ubiquitous in Mediterranean restaurants, and used a smoked paprika, lemon and cumin marinade inspired by North African spices.
I'm really happy with the results - these little calamari skewers are spicy and flavourful and entirely different from any other grilled squid I've ever had. Thanks, sis. :) - Izzbell —Izzbell

Food52 Review: True to its name, Izzbell’s North African-inspired calamari is a bright and spicy dish that will make a great addition to your summer grilling repertoire. The recipe comes together with ease but the platter of perfectly grilled squid – served simply with sliced bread and lemon wedges – makes quite an impression. Smaller squid will work just as well if you can't find the babies—and remember, garnishing with a squeeze of lemon is key! - Annie "Smalls" —Annie "Smalls"

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Serves 4

1
pound cleaned baby squid (tubes and tentacles)

2
teaspoons smoked paprika

1
teaspoon ground cumin

1/2
teaspoon salt

1/2
teaspoon pepper

1
pinch ground cayenne pepper

1
garlic clove, minced

1
lemon

1/4
cup olive oil

Bamboo skewers

Lemon wedges, for garnish

In a small mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, cayenne and garlic, along with zest from the lemon. Add 1/4 cup olive oil, stirring until you have a smooth, runny paste.

Juice the zested lemon into a second small bowl. Spoon in 2 tbsp of the paprika paste and stir until combined. Cover and set aside.

Pour the remaining paprika paste into a large zip-seal bag. Add squid, and toss to coat evenly with marinade. Seal the bag closed and transfer to the refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes.

While the squid is marinating, soak bamboo skewers in cold water to prevent them from charring, and preheat a gas or charcoal grill on high heat.

After 30 minutes, remove the squid bodies and tentacles from the marinade and gently thread onto skewers (I like to use two skewers to prevent the food from spinning around, but it's not entirely necessary). Discard the marinade.

Place the skewers directly onto the preheated grill, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or just until the squid turn opaque. Remove from squid from heat immediately, and drizzle with the lemon juice and paprika mixture.

Garnish with lemon wedges. Serve with a loaf of crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

I just made these last night and had to come rave about them. They were so delicious! I didn't have smoked paprika, so I did a little tweaking - 1/2t chipotle, 1/2t ancho chili, 1t paprika, 1/4t alderwood smoked salt and 1/4 t kosher salt, rather than the 2t smoked paprika and 1/2 t salt called for. I also left the garlic out by accident, but these turned out so wonderfully that I would probably leave it out again. It's definitely not grilling season, so I cooked them on the stove using out cast iron griddle. Be aware, since it's oil-based, the marinade releases a TON of smoke if you cook these inside! Overall, wonderful recipe. Thanks!